Fabien Voileau is a photographer based out of Paris and, as he states in his Instagram bio, is a Photographer, Surfer and Adventurer. The series of images we are featuring here are from Fabien’s City & Desert series – all shot on 35mm film stock. When Fabien and I first got in contact, I specifically asked if we could feature images from this series as they really struck a chord with me – they immediately elicited positive emotions; a desire for warm Californian sun, a sense of wanderlust and hiking through the desert with someone you love – I don’t know that I can put it into words exactly. I like photography to grab me – I hope it grabs you too…
Tell us a bit about yourself; how long have you been shooting and what first inspired you to pick up a camera?
I began to take pictures 9 or 10 years ago. I had the urge to capture moments in my own way with my vision – a kind of total independence. Nobody could say anything, the desire was to keep it to myself. Things have changed since the beginning!
You are quite a prolific shooter, where does your drive and motivation come from?
Motivation or inclination always comes very suddenly, and I usually click once. I prefer to work with the same people, they inspire me a lot and, without them, I would not do anything.
How would you define your personal style?
So… I would say instinctive. Nothing else.
What has been the best piece of photography/business/life advice given to you?
Live your deepest desires and regret nothing in life.
Travel seems to be a consistent theme in your work; what comes first, the travel or the photography?
Yes, it is true; one does not go without the other. I will never travel without my camera and my film, that would be too difficult.
Do you have any projects that you are working on at the moment that you can tell us about?
I have 2 print publications in the works, one for an Australian magazine and one for a book dedicated to surfing being published in Berlin. Then, a shoot for backpack brand Out of Town, planning some new trips and maybe an exhibition later in the year…
See more of Fabien’s work at:
All images copyright Fabien Voileau.